How Old Does Steve Daines Think the Planet Is?

I can’t believe I skipped over this detail about the Daines “Ohio” fundraiser in Kentucky–it’s taking place at the Creation Museum, which mixes dinosaurs, dragons, and turtles to explain how the Earth was created just thousands of years ago.

It’s not just that we probably shouldn’t have a US Congressman who doesn’t understand the basics of science making decisions about the environment; it’s the stunning hypocrisy of the Museum itself.

You see, the Creation Museum certainly didn’t get there by itself, as the New York Times noted in 2011:

The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority granted more than $40 million in tax incentives for a planned $172 million Bible-based theme park, featuring a full-size replica of Noah’s ark, complete with live animals.

Conceived by the Christian ministry that built the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky., the Ark Encounter park aims to promote a literal interpretation of the Bible by “proving” that Noah had room on his vessel to fit two of every kind of animal. Ark Encounter is owned by a profit-making company, of which the ministry is a part owner.

In addition to the tax incentives, approved unanimously by the state’s tourism board, taxpayers may have to pony up another $11 million to improve a highway interchange near the site.

It does seem fitting that Mr. Daines would have a fundraiser in a place like this. After all, his “more jobs, less government” motto certainly hasn’t applied to his career. Why should apply to a batch of scientifically-challenged creationists who want the government to fund their religious views?

About the Author

Don is an English/Debate teacher and debate handbook author who lives in Helena, MT, and who can't imagine living anywhere other than this glorious state.
Much of his writing happens late at night and he is unlikely to respond to your comments during the day.

It is truly amazing that associations with places like the Creation Funhouse er… “Museum”, aren’t political deal breakers to more Americans. As you pointed out, how the hell can someone make educated decisions regarding the environment when that individual’s appraisal of Earth’s age needs to be multiplied by 450,000 to be correct?

Recently while hiking, I taught my 3 year old daughter about how we can age trees by the rings visible in their sawed off stumps. My preschool aged daughter is capable of understanding empirical evidence that disproves the Creation “Museum’s” claim of a 6,000 year old earth.

It says a significant amount about Daines’ dogmatic allegiances when it is clear that to him, toeing the party line is synonymous with truth. What kind indoctrinating crap would this guy approve of teaching Montana’s children?

While Daines is busy making money surrounded by statues of men riding dinosaurs, his critical thinking abilities must be brought into question. Basically, does he have any?

I said she “is capable of understanding the empirical evidence”, not that we counted the rings on a 6,000+ year old tree.
I don’t know what the oldest tree in Montana is, but I doubt it’s much older than 1,000 years. The Ross Creek Cedars are said to be over 500 years old.

As far as tree rings disproving a 6,000 year old earth, Google Dendrochronology. It’s fascinating stuff